On Wednesday, March 18, Governor Sununu signed an executive order that allows school districts greater flexibility to use online learning tools. All New Hampshire public schools have been transitioning to a remote learning environment in response to the threat of COVID-19, or the coronavirus, and many educators have been relying on learning software to help families with remote learning.

“This order will give school districts greater flexibility when developing remote learning software tools,” said Governor Chris Sununu in a press statement. “Student privacy is paramount, and all applications and software still must meet rigorous Department of Education privacy standards.”

A state law that was signed in 2018 required that school districts adopt local data security and governance plans, and required the district to review each online tool that is used in the classroom, including the publisher, privacy statement, and terms of use.

Governor Sununu’s executive order requires all digital tools and software programs used by schools align with state minimum security standards, but allows for greater collaboration between school districts in using, sharing, and disseminating digital learning tools.

Reaching Higher NH is a nonpartisan 501c3. Our mission is to provide all New Hampshire children with the opportunity to prepare for college, for immediate careers, and for the challenges and opportunities of life in 21st century NH, by serving as a public education policy and community engagement resource for New Hampshire families, educators, and elected officials.